Hutchinson, Mulling Presidential Run, Calls For Even More Guns In Wake Of Nashville Massacre

Hutchinson avoids the concerns of real people -- as is the Republicans' wont -- and calls for more guns in the GOP "Wild West" quest.

Continuing To Dodge Real-Life Issues, GOP Instead Looks To Gut Freedom Of Information Act

A law professor and FOIA expert said, “This is a 100 percent an effort to disembowel the FOIA.”

Governor-Backed Bill To Change Arkansas's Parole And Criminal Justice System Introduced

The Republican governor, press secretary for the twice-impeached Trump, also announced the state would try to build a new, 3,000-bed prison.

"Where Is The Right For The Folks Who Are Trans?” GOP Continues Battering Of LGBTQ+ Community

The transgender community also has its First Amendment rights, Avanzino said.

Arkansas Lawmakers To Again Consider Extending Special Tax On Medical Marijuana

The four percent excise tax generates millions for the University of Arkansas, for medical sciences and for the pursuit of recognition.

Representative Asks: Should Local Boards Be Like The State Legislature?

The Perryville Republican points to the ease with which she can get together with or call other lawmakers to talk about legislation.

City Court Case Against Little Rock Residences With Code Violations Nears Completion

Big Country Chateau on Colonel Glenn Road has new citations against it after a February inspection.

Some Arkansas High School Athletes Would Profit From Fame Under Proposed Legislation

The bill by House Speaker Matthew Shepherd of El Dorado and Rep. RJ Hawk would allow high school athletes to profit off their image.

Arkansas Medicaid Recipients Seek DHS Response To Feedback, More Time To Confirm Eligibility

Three attendees carried umbrellas with the message “Don't leave us waiting in the rain” painted on them. The small crowd also chanted.

Dozens Of Contested Arkansas School Board Races Set For May 9

This was amended and re-referred to the Senate Education Committee in February, and would allow school board elections to be partisan.

Arkansas Legislators File Two Bills Related To Abortion, "All But Illegal" In The State

Arkansas has one of the nation's strictest abortion bans, Act 180 of 2019, with a sole exception related to a woman's medical emergency.

Arkansas Seeks Federal Disaster Relief After Winter Storm Earlier This Year

The request for federal assistance covers 11 counties in Sou. Arkansas — Bradley, Calhoun, Cleveland, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Grant, others.

SESSION SNAPSHOT: The Arkansas Legislature Takes A Break

Included are some of the unique happenings and tidbits from the latest legislative session in Arkansas.

Arkansas Senate Approves Proposal To Increase Food Stamp Asset Limit

This initially would have raised the resource limit to $12,500 for Arkansans to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Panel Approves Bill Barring Mandatory Implicit Bias Training In Schools

The State Board of Education also could not require training for obtaining or renewing an educator license, or for professional development.

Government Transparency Supporters In Arkansas "Won a Skirmish" Over The Issue, Report States

An Arkansas House committee, on a split voice vote, rejected proposed legislation that defined a quorum of a public meeting.

Arkansas House Committee Votes Down Bill To Loosen Public Meetings Law

The report indicates the bill centers on stipulations of the state Freedom of Information Act.

Vote On Short-Term Rental Bill Delayed Until After Spring Break

Senate Bill 197 would prohibit local municipalities from enacting ordinances to prohibit or limit use of property as a short-term rental.

Approved Bill, To Hold Libraries Accountable For "Obscene' Material," Called "Government Overrreach"

Seven Republicans joined the 18 House Democrats in voting against it, including Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Horatio).

Arkansas Governor Signs Law Allowing Malpractice Suits For Transgender Minors' Health Care

In following the GOP playbook, Sanders again attacks the LGBTQ+ community.

Applications Now Available For LEARNS Act Work Groups

Through volunteer work groups, participants will contribute to the development of rules and policies for the expansive education bill.

In Arkansas, A "Monument To The Unborn?" Only Republicans Support It

It passed the Senate on March 1 and the House on Tuesday, with support solely from Republicans.

Proposed Law Restricting School Bathroom Use Will Return To Arkansas House

This would apply to multiple-occupancy restrooms and locker rooms, as well as rooms for students on overnight trips.

Arkansas House Committee Passes Bill To Regulate Paper Ballot Counties

The counties involved would have to bear the cost of paper ballots, the report states.

Republican's Bill Would Render Open Meetings Section "Almost Meaningless," Report States

One of those bills would define what a public meeting is. As I noted in Monday's column, the FOIA doesn't specify amount of members needed.

Education Secretary Discusses LEARNS Act Implications With Northwest Arkansas Superintendents

Education Secretary Jacob Oliva traveled to the Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative in Farmington to meet with superintendents.

SESSION SNAPSHOT: The LEARNS Act Becomes Arkansas Law, Further Highlights

Herein are the noteworthy events, tidbits, and other possibly unique happenings from the recent legislative session.

Bills Relevant To Freedom Of Information Act Being Reviewed In Arkansas

Usually, legislative proposals involving the FOIA seek to remove more records or government activity from public scrutiny.

Arkansas Committee Approves Amended Bill To Hold Libraries Accountable For ‘Obscene' Material

It would add the loaning of library materials to the statute governing the possession and distribution of obscene material.

Arkansas Senate Narrowly Passes Bill, Democrat Says "It Will Have Deleterious Effects On Minorities"

Before this action spurred by Republican Sullivan, Arkansas encouraged participation, Democrat Chesterfield said.

Arkansas Panel Approves Proposed Ban On School Employees Using Transgender Individuals' Pronouns

It is meant to shield teachers and other school employees at all levels of public education from negative consequences.

Arkansas Governor-Backed Bill Would Require Social Media Age Verification

A third-party vendor would be hired to verify ages, the report states.

New Legislation Prompts Requests To Delay Marvell-Elaine School District Consolidation

The rural Phillips County district is scheduled to be consolidated with another district this summer due to low enrollment.

What Is The Arkansas LEARNS Act?

The State Board of Education will: (details herein)

Republican Sanders Signs Bill That "Will Not Reach Our Students In Greatest Need," Democrat Says

It takes unprecedented steps in hopes of restructuring K-12 schools, addressing teacher pay, school safety, and career readiness.

Transgender Child, Testifying, Reports Own "Blood Will Be On The Hands" Of The GOP If Bill Passes

"It denies trans kids the most affirming care they may ever receive in their lives, and that’s cruel” -- Democrat McCullough

Arkansas Lawmakers Send Sweeping Education Bill To Governor's Desk

The Arkansas Senate gave final approval to Senate Bill 294, also called the LEARNS Act, on Tuesday.

Arkansas Licensing Board For Home Inspectors Will Be Combined With Two Others Under Bill

It would abolish the Arkansas Abstracters' Board, Home Inspector Registration Board, and Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board.

Arkansas GOP Passes Bill That Continues Party's Attack On LGBTQ+ Community

It would add the proposed Class C misdemeanor offense to existing state law regarding sexual indecency with a child.

Arkansas House Committee Rejects Abortion Exemption For Fatal Prenatal Conditions

A new exemption to the state's abortion ban was rejected.